Larry Ellison – Net Worth, Spouse, and Oracle Role 2026

Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle Corporation, remains one of the most influential figures in technology and a dominant presence on global wealth rankings. As of early 2026, his net worth is estimated between $201 billion and $203 billion, though he briefly claimed the title of the world’s wealthiest person in September 2025 when his fortune peaked near $400 billion. This profile examines his current wealth, his role at Oracle, his personal life, and addresses common questions and uncertainties surrounding his biography.

Ellison’s financial standing is closely tied to his substantial ownership stake in Oracle, a company he helped build from a small startup into an enterprise software and cloud computing giant. His career spans nearly five decades, transitioning from a long tenure as chief executive to his current roles as chief technology officer and executive chairman.

Beyond business, Ellison’s personal history—including his marriages, family background, and age—attracts significant public interest. This article draws on verified sources to provide a clear, fact-based overview while acknowledging areas where information remains incomplete or subject to speculation.

What is Larry Ellison’s Net Worth in 2025?

• Larry Ellison co-founded Oracle in 1977 and served as CEO until 2014; he now serves as Executive Chairman and CTO.
• He owns approximately 40% of Oracle, anchoring his position among the world’s top billionaires in 2025 and 2026.
• Ellison’s net worth surged by $195 billion in 2025 alone, driven by Oracle’s stock performance tied to AI advancements.
• On September 10, 2025, his net worth reached approximately $393 billion, making him the wealthiest person globally for a brief period.
• In June and July 2025, he was ranked the second-richest person with roughly $251 billion, surpassing Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg.
• By early 2026, Forbes estimated his net worth at $201–$203 billion, ranking him as the sixth-richest person in the world.
• The primary source of Ellison’s wealth remains his approximately 40% ownership stake in Oracle Corporation.

Who is Larry Ellison’s Spouse and What is His Family Background?

Marital History

Larry Ellison’s personal life has seen several chapters. He married Jolin Zhu, also referred to as Kere Zhu in some reports, in 2024, according to available records. Prior to this, Forbes listed his marital status as “In a Relationship.” His previous marriages include Adda Quinn (1967–1974), Nancy Wheeler Jenkins (1976–1978), Barbara Boothe (1983–1986), with whom he has two children, and Melanie Craft (2003–2010). Ellison was also in a long-term partnership with Nikita Kahn starting around 2010, though the exact marital status of that relationship remains unclear.

Children and Family

Ellison has four children. His son David and daughter Megan were born during his marriage to Barbara Boothe. The names and details of his other two children are not widely documented in public sources. He maintains residences on the Hawaiian island of Lanai, which he purchased nearly in its entirety in 2012 for $300 million, and in Woodside, California.

Religious and Ethnic Background

Ellison’s religious views are not explicitly stated in major biographical summaries. He is generally described as a private individual regarding his faith. His mother, Florence Spellman, was Jewish, which places him within the Jewish heritage by descent. His ethnicity is recorded as White or Ashkenazi Jewish descent, though the identity of his biological father is not publicly known.

How Old is Larry Ellison?

Larry Ellison was born on August 17, 1944, making him 81 years old as of July 2026.

What is Larry Ellison’s Role at Oracle Today?

Current Leadership Position

Larry Ellison currently serves as Oracle’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Executive Chairman. He stepped down as CEO in 2014 after a 37-year tenure but has remained deeply involved in the company’s strategic and technical direction. His role as CTO focuses on overseeing Oracle’s technology strategy, particularly its shift toward cloud computing and AI-driven products.

Ownership Stake

Ellison holds approximately 40% ownership of Oracle Corporation, making him the largest individual shareholder. This stake is the primary source of his wealth and directly ties his net worth to Oracle’s stock performance and market valuation.

Early Career and Company Founding

Ellison co-founded Software Development Laboratories in 1977 alongside Bob Miner and Ed Oates. The company was later renamed Oracle Corporation. He served as CEO from its founding until 2014, guiding the company from a database software startup into a multinational technology corporation. Oracle reported revenue of $57.4 billion in the fiscal year ending May 31, 2025.

What Was Larry Ellison Like When He Was Young?

Educational Background

Ellison attended the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, but did not complete a degree from either institution. He left school and moved to California, where he began working as a computer programmer.

Early Life and Influences

Born in New York City to Florence Spellman, an unwed Jewish mother, Ellison was adopted by his aunt and uncle and raised in Chicago. His early years were marked by modest means, and he developed an interest in computing during the 1960s and 1970s. Before founding Oracle, he worked on database projects and programming jobs that provided the technical foundation for what would become one of the world’s largest software companies.

Does Larry Ellison Serve in the IDF?

There is no credible evidence that Larry Ellison has ever served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This query appears to stem from confusion with another individual or from unsubstantiated rumor. Ellison is a United States citizen, and his military service record is not publicly documented in any authoritative biographical source. No reliable reporting or official statement supports the claim.

How Did Larry Ellison Build His Career Over Time?

1. 1944: Born in New York City to Florence Spellman, an unwed Jewish mother; adopted by an aunt and uncle in Chicago.
2. 1960s: Attended University of Chicago and University of Illinois but did not graduate; moved to California and began working as a programmer.
3. 1977: Co-founded Software Development Laboratories (later renamed Oracle Corporation) with Bob Miner and Ed Oates.
4. 1986: Oracle went public; Ellison became a billionaire on paper.
5. 2014: Stepped down as CEO after 37 years; became Executive Chairman and CTO.
6. 2012: Purchased nearly the entire Hawaiian island of Lanai for $300 million.
7. 2020: Permanently relocated to Lanai.
8. 2025: Oracle reported $57.4 billion in revenue; Ellison’s net worth peaked at approximately $393 billion in September, briefly making him the world’s wealthiest person.
9. 2026: Forbes estimated net worth at $201–$203 billion, ranking him sixth globally.

What Information About Larry Ellison Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?

Why Does Larry Ellison Continue to Dominate Headlines?

Larry Ellison’s net worth is directly tied to Oracle’s stock performance and his approximately 40% ownership stake, making him one of the most influential individual shareholders in any public company. Oracle’s pivot to cloud computing under Ellison’s leadership as CTO has driven recent growth, with 2025 revenue reaching $57.4 billion. His personal life—including his marriages and religious background—attracts consistent search interest that often surpasses pure business topics. The persistent “IDF” search query highlights how misinformation or confusion with other public figures can generate low-volume but recurring patterns in online searches.

Where Can You Find Authoritative Information About Larry Ellison?

Several authoritative sources provide detailed information about Larry Ellison’s career, wealth, and biography. These include the official Oracle executive biography, Wikipedia’s comprehensive entry, Forbes’ real-time net worth tracking, and the Bloomberg Billionaires Index for financial data. Below are key quoted passages from these sources.

“Lawrence Joseph Ellison (born August 17, 1944) is an American businessman. He co-founded the software company Oracle Corporation.”

Wikipedia: Larry Ellison

“Larry Ellison is chairman, chief technology officer and cofounder of software giant Oracle, of which he owns roughly 40%.”

Forbes: Larry Ellison Profile

“Ellison is the founder and largest shareholder of Oracle, the maker of database software that reported revenue of $57.4 billion in the year to May 31, 2025.”

Bloomberg Billionaires Index: Larry Ellison

What Is the Complete Picture of Larry Ellison Today?

Larry Ellison remains a central figure in technology and wealth, serving as Oracle’s CTO and Executive Chairman while holding roughly 40% of the company’s stock. His net worth, estimated at $201–$203 billion in early 2026, reflects Oracle’s growth under his technological leadership. His personal history includes multiple marriages, four children, and a private approach to religious affiliation. Unverified claims, such as service in the IDF, remain unsupported by credible evidence. For the most current information, monitoring Oracle’s quarterly earnings and verified financial indices provides the most reliable updates.

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